Eternal life is a free gift. Rewards are earned. We can’t lose our salvation—ever, because it’s an irrevocable free gift, by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone (John 10:28; Eph 2:8-9). It’s the gift of God (Rom 6:23), not of works (Rom 4:4-5). But while eternal life is secure, rewards are not. We can forfeit eternal rewards through failure in the spiritual life. Rewards are tied to faithfulness, obedience, and production under the filling of the Spirit. They’re not about keeping salvation. They’re about honor, authority, privilege, and commendation before Jesus Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10). Salvation gets us into heaven. Rewards determine what happens after we get there. We must not confuse the two. Paul said, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23b). We cannot earn what is freely given (think about that). But what is earned can be lost. This is why John warned, “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 1:8). The possibility of losing rewards is real; otherwise, John’s admonition is pointless. Here are key rewards we can either gain or lose:
First—commendation and praise from Christ. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, we’re told, “each man’s praise will come to him from God” (1 Cor 4:5). This is divine approval—recognition from the Lord—His words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). That’s our goal. But if we blow it in the spiritual life, we forfeit His praise. We’re saved, but no approval. No “well done.” No commendation. We’ll enter eternity by grace, but without this recognition.
Second—crowns. Scripture names multiple crowns: the imperishable crown for disciplined advance (1 Cor 9:25), the crown of righteousness for loving His appearing (2 Tim 4:8), the crown of life for enduring testing (Jam 1:12; Rev 2:10), and the crown of glory for faithful pastors (1 Pet 5:4). These crowns represent honor and privilege in eternity. But if we waste our time, quit, or get distracted by the world, the flesh, or the devil, we risk losing our crown (Rev 3:11). The crown is a reward—not a guarantee.
Third—rulership with Christ. Faithfulness in time determines authority in the Millennial Kingdom. To the faithful steward, Jesus says, “Well done… have authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). Greater faithfulness means greater rulership. Paul wrote, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Tim 2:12a). But if we fail in this life, we’re still in the kingdom by grace—but no crown, no authority, no rulership.
Fourth—eternal treasures. Jesus instructed His disciples, saying, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt 6:20). This refers to spiritual wealth accumulated through obedience, generosity, and good works. Paul echoed this teaching, telling wealthy believers to “store up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future” (1 Tim 6:18-19). Some of us will enter eternity spiritually rich; others, spiritually bankrupt. Still saved. Still in heaven. But without treasure.
Fifth—loss of opportunity and blessing in time. Prolonged carnality and being out of fellowship cause us to forfeit opportunities, impact, and blessings here and now. Paul wrote, “I could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1). However, recovery of fellowship is possible, for “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive” (1 John 1:9). Yet, wasted time is gone forever; the loss of time is the loss of opportunity. At death, all of life’s decisions are fixed for eternity, so we must be good stewards and maximize the time God gives us.
In summary, salvation is irrevocable, but rewards are conditional. We can’t lose eternal life (John 10:28). It’s not possible. But we can lose eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10). Salvation guarantees heaven, but rewards determine honor, responsibility, and privilege in eternity. Let’s run our race, stay focused, and keep the faith, “So that no one will take your crown” (Rev 3:11).
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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Thank you, Steven, for this beautifully clear and encouraging article. I shall share with others. Blessings in Messiah, Julia.
You’re welcome friend. Wishing you a blessed day. 🙂